Foreign minister supports residents of West Bank outpost three days after massacre of Fogel family members; says state failed in maintaining Israeli citizens' security

Omri Efraim |Published: 03.15.11 , 09:52

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman visited the West Bank outpost of Itamar Tuesday three days after the terror attack
during which five members of the Fogel family were butchered in their beds.

The minister entered the Fogel family house where terrorists murdered Rabbi Udi Fogel, his wife Ruth and three of their children: Yoav (11), Elad (4), and Hadas (three months). Blood stains were seen on almost every surface in the house – a painful reminder of Saturday's massacre.

"You enter and see the sign "Happy birthday for your new baby girl" and then see this pogrom. The same sights we once read about only in books is found here at the heart of a Jewish community," he said.

Lieberman at the Fogel family house (Photo: Amir Levy)

"It is the State's duty to guarantee the security of Israel's residents. No doubt the state failed here. When we talk about painful concessions and compromises it must be clear that compromises should be made in the political field and not the security field. There will be no compromises in the security field. The most important thing one must understand is that Hamas will rule here. The exact same process that happened in the Gaza Strip will repeat itself here in Samaria."

Lieberman was repeating statements he said on Monday during a Knesset committee meeting regarding the possibility Hamas will
take over the West Bank.

The foreign minister said that should Israel revert back to the 1967 borders the new frontline will be Kfar Saba, Ra'anana and Herzliya.

"I very much hope we will capture the murderers soon and bring them to justice. The failure that occurred here must not repeat itself elsewhere. I must express my admiration for the people of Itamar – I don't know any other community that has suffered this many victims. Twenty-two of Itamar's residents have been murdered. "

Lieberman added: "We are committed to the security of Israel's citizens above all other commitments."

The foreign minister called on the Palestinian Authority to stop its incitement against Israel. "We cannot talk peace with anyone talking about bloodshed, hatred and murder. We must draw conclusions on the political level."

Lieberman nevertheless stressed that the terrorists who murdered the Fogel family members should not be sentenced to death, in his opinion. "We should not be guided by revenge," he said. "The State of Israel is a law abiding country, among the best democracies in the world."

Shomron Regional Council head noted that Itamar's security fence is not placed in the right location. Settlers demanded five additional communities be established.